Baker Hired to Serve as Congressman Smith’s District Director

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Originally being elected in a special election in 2013, Congressman Jason Smith climbed ranks in house Republican Party leadership and eventually became the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee. In January of 2023, Smith was elected by his colleagues to Chair the reputable House Ways and Means Committee. The Ways and Means committee has sole jurisdiction on taxes, trade and significant portions of Medicare and is the oldest committee in Congress. The historic committee is the only one mentioned in the U.S. Constitution and is often touted to be the most powerful committee, as its job is raising revenue for the United States.
Congressman Smith is the youngest U.S. Congressman to ever serve as chairman of the committee and only the second Missourian to hold the position. The first and only other Missourian to serve in the appointed position was Democrat Congressman John S. Phelps (1814-1886) during the 35th session of United States Congress (1857-1859). Phelps would later go on to become the 23rd Governor of Missouri, serving from 1877 through 1881.
The Ways and Means committee, historically, has produced eight United States Presidents, eight United States Vice-Presidents, twenty-one Speakers of the House of Representatives and four Justices of the Supreme Court.
“As Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, my number one priority is ensuring working-class Americans – not lobbyists or special interests – have a direct seat at the table when it comes to crafting policies that impact their lives every day. Whether it’s fighting for lower taxes, promoting trade deals that put workers first, protecting seniors’ hard-earned benefits, or strengthening our supply chains, the committee is laser-focused on delivering for the farmers, small businesses, and workers who drive our economy and make our nation the envy of the world. It’s an incredible honor to lead this committee, and I will always fight tooth and nail to advance the policies we need to get our economy and nation back on the right track” said U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.).
Madison Baker, Wayne County native, has recently been hired by Congressman Smith to serve as his District Director based out of his Cape Girardeau, Missouri office. Baker will be leading the in-state operations of the Congressman, overseeing twenty-eight counties and five district offices within the 8th congressional district.
“Madison Baker is the perfect fit to lead my team. The 8th district embodies hard work, determination, and grit, and that describes Madison to a tee. His background as a rancher and deep ties to southern Missouri will ensure he will do a great job helping me fight for the hardworking families we serve” said U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.)
Baker graduated from the Greenville R-II school district as Valedictorian of his senior class and then went on to graduate from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He has been involved in politics, in campaigns for both state and statewide offices, as well as a short stint in service for the Missouri House of Representatives. For the last five years he has served as a state staffer for the United States Senate. Barker currently resides on the family farm at Lowndes where he operates a small cow/calf and feeder operation.
Throughout the last decade Baker has stayed active in the Wayne County community. He is currently a member of the Wayne County Historical Society, has served as officer of the Greenville Alumni Association, is a member of the East Wayne County, MO. Chamber of Commerce, is a member of Greenville Lodge No. 107 A.F. & A.M., and is a member of Greenville Chapter No. 337 O.E.S.
Baker is a sixth generation Wayne County cattleman and stays active in various agriculture and livestock organizations including, the Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Cattleman’s Association. In addition, he is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff, a 32nd Degree member of the St. Louis Scottish Rite and a member of the Three Rivers Shrine Club.